HELP, first time w/cooling

Andy_1995

Andy_1995

Andy_1995

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Joined
13 Oct 2011
Posts
209
Hey guys I'm needing some help picking out stuff for watercooling, I had a rough idea of what I wanted but not too sure.

My case is an Antec p180, I can mount the radiator on the back of the case so it can be a 240 or 360 rad.

I know for a fact I don't want coloured water I am going to use coloured tubing.

If anyone can give me tips or even a rough list to give me an idea on what to purchase I would appreciate it :).
 
hi Andy,

Not got much time, but take a look at the build check I put up for my recent w/c project:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18531838

The system has a 360mm rad at the top and a 240mm rad in the front. A pump at the bottom, tube resevoir, fans, fittings and ofcourse, the cpu block. I'll be adding a gpu block later. If you want to try and put together a similar list, I'll try to have a look over it tomorrow! i'm sure some of the other watercooling dudes will swing by too.
 
as a beginner i suggest you only watercool the cpu then maybe the gpu in a couple of months, itl just make it easier for you :)
 
I thought it would have been easier just puting the loop together all at the same time? So you wouldnt have to disassemble it and re-build. But I will take your advice Hakank, less money to spend for now :p

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-186-XS&groupid=962&catid=2133

I was looking at the reservoir/pump for tidyness but I'm not sure if the pump would be strong enough for the loop?

Any thoughts on this :)?
 
I was looking the all in one kits but I would like to make a custom loop, more fun picking and choosing different components:)

For now I am only wanting one rad, then in the future I might add another.
 
There wouldn't be much point buying that kit, I might aswell just stick with my antec cooler, thats another thing I wanted this loop for is too w/cool my gpu
 
I have to agree with you - Get it all done at the same time. Although you may not want to buy one of the kits - having a look at say the Techlabs V12 kit will show you everything that you need to get. Adding a GPU block to that and you have everything that you need. Just remember to take your time while building the loop, leak test it and keep an eye on coolant levels. It's loads of fun doing it and definitely worth the effort in the end.

On the note of GPU blocks - make sure you get one that fits your particular model.
 
Alz_D said:
I have to agree with you - Get it all done at the same time. Although you may not want to buy one of the kits - having a look at say the Techlabs V12 kit will show you everything that you need to get. Adding a GPU block to that and you have everything that you need. Just remember to take your time while building the loop, leak test it and keep an eye on coolant levels. It's loads of fun doing it and definitely worth the effort in the end.

On the note of GPU blocks - make sure you get one that fits your particular model.
Click to expand...

I'm not buying a kit as I want to buy coloured tubing so it looks fancy :D , I have a 7950 XfX DD gpu, is there a full block that fits this model? I dont want to buy just a core block, I would like to buy the full thing to be on the safe side :p
 
I'm sure someone else will be able to answer properly but a quick google search seems to indicate that it may be difficult for that model to find a full cover bock :(

I would wait until someone who can answer definitely chimes in tho ;)

It's this card yes?
 
The only block available by a decent watercooling brand is by Heatkiller, the 'GPU-X³ 79X0 XFX Edition' waterblock.

I love Heatkiller blocks because they look amazing and solid with a good build quality. Unfortunately they are pricey, hard to find outside the main website and are a little more restrictive on flow i have found. Luckily OCuk sell them!!!!

WC-037-WC_74444_350.jpg


Even their backplates look awesome!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-037-WC&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327
 
Last edited:
hakank68 said:
as a beginner i suggest you only watercool the cpu then maybe the gpu in a couple of months, itl just make it easier for you :)
Click to expand...

True, but it will also mean stripping down and re-doing loop when the time comes, which speaking from experience (adding a 2nd card in to loop), can be a right pain in the titty's.

OP,

What you require:

CPU block
GPU block
Radiator(s) & fans
Reservoir & pump (these can be bought separately or together)
Tubing
Fittings (either barbs or compressions x2 for every component)
Fluid (plus corrosion inhibitors if not using a pre-mix)

Additional stuff you MIGHT want to consider: fan controller; quick disconnects; temp sensors etc.

Best advice I could give you is plan, plan then do some more planning. Putting stuff together is, for the most part a piece of ****, assuming you have everything you require to hand. Nothing more frustrating that being half way through a build and realising you aren't going to have enough tubing or fittings or some other daft wee mistake that could have been averted with a bit extra time taken during the planning stage.

Good luck, it is a very expensive, but satisfying endeavour.
 
Also, something that might not appear obvious - at some stage you are going to want to be able to drain the loop, either for general maintenance, adding another component in to the loop, or heaven forbid you spring a leak during testing (been there), so plan a good way of draining the system in to the loop. Will save you headaches in future.
 
Avenged7Fold said:
The only block available by a decent watercooling brand is by Heatkiller, the 'GPU-X³ 79X0 XFX Edition' waterblock.

I love Heatkiller blocks because they look amazing and solid with a good build quality. Unfortunately they are pricey, hard to find outside the main website and are a little more restrictive on flow i have found. Luckily OCuk sell them!!!!

WC-037-WC_74444_350.jpg


Even their backplates look awesome!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-037-WC&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327
Click to expand...


Cheers for that mate :D, it is pricey but I would rather get that than buy just the block for the gpu core so then atleast I know its safe :)
 
Five.Stars said:
True, but it will also mean stripping down and re-doing loop when the time comes, which speaking from experience (adding a 2nd card in to loop), can be a right pain in the titty's.

OP,

What you require:

CPU block
GPU block
Radiator(s) & fans
Reservoir & pump (these can be bought separately or together)
Tubing
Fittings (either barbs or compressions x2 for every component)
Fluid (plus corrosion inhibitors if not using a pre-mix)

Additional stuff you MIGHT want to consider: fan controller; quick disconnects; temp sensors etc.

Best advice I could give you is plan, plan then do some more planning. Putting stuff together is, for the most part a piece of ****, assuming you have everything you require to hand. Nothing more frustrating that being half way through a build and realising you aren't going to have enough tubing or fittings or some other daft wee mistake that could have been averted with a bit extra time taken during the planning stage.

Good luck, it is a very expensive, but satisfying endeavour.
Click to expand...

I am gradually buying components so I don't notice the cost and won't feel bad about it ;), I have been planning for a while I just wanted some opinions as I am a beginner :p
 
Andy_1995 said:
I am gradually buying components so I don't notice the cost and won't feel bad about it ;), I have been planning for a while I just wanted some opinions as I am a beginner :p
Click to expand...

We are all beginners at some point. I will soon be stripping down and rebuilding for which will be my 3rd loop and I still consider myself a beginner lol.

As I say, best of luck and get some pics up in a build log :D
 
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